How would you measure the distance across our galaxy?

To measure the distance across our galaxy, astronomers often use methods like parallax, which involves observing the apparent shift of nearby stars against distant background stars as Earth orbits the Sun. For greater distances, they utilize standard candles, such as Cepheid variable stars, whose luminosity can be determined from their pulsation periods. Additionally, the Tying of distances to the cosmic distance ladder helps in calculating distances to the Milky Way's edge, estimated to be about 100,000 light-years across. Combining these techniques allows for a more accurate measurement of the galaxy's dimensions.